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Last updated 7:33 PM on 9 October 2011

Online Communication Services: Acceptable Usage for School Students

This document defines the policy for school students of the NSW Department of Education and Training for the appropriate and acceptable use of internet and online communication services provided by the Department.

1. Objectives - Policy statement

1.1

The internet provides an opportunity to enhance students' learning experiences by providing access to vast amounts of information across the globe. Online communication links students to provide a collaborative learning environment and is intended to assist with learning outcomes. Today's students are exposed to online communication tools and the internet in their community. They have the right to expect secure access to these services as part of their learning experiences with the NSW Department of Education and Training.

1.2

Use of the internet and online communication services provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training is intended for research and learning and communication between students and staff. Access to internet and online communication tools at school will assist students to develop the information and communication skills necessary to use the internet effectively and appropriately.

1.3

Responsible use of the services by students, with guidance from teaching staff, will provide a secure and safe learning environment.

1.4

Students using internet and online communication services have the responsibility to report inappropriate behaviour and material to their supervisors.

1.5

Students who use the internet and online communication services provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training must abide by the Department's conditions of acceptable usage. They should be made aware of the acceptable usage policy each time they log on.

1.6

Students should be aware that a breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action in line with their school's discipline policy.

2. Audience and applicability

2.1

This policy applies to all school students located at NSW Government schools who access internet and online communication services within the NSW Department of Education and Training network and from any external location.

3. Context

3.1

This policy document takes account of the Memorandum Student Access to the Internet of 18 July 1997 and the Memorandum DN/04/00215 – Review by Schools of their Student Access to the Internet Policies.

3.2

This policy document should be read as consistent with school discipline, child protection, anti-discrimination and anti-racism policies.

·not disable settings for virus protection, spam and filtering that have been applied as a departmental standard.

·ensure that communication through internet and online communication services is related to learning.

·keep passwords confidential, and change them when prompted, or when known by another user.

·use passwords that are not obvious or easily guessed.

·never allow others to use their personal e-learning account.

·log off at the end of each session to ensure that nobody else can use their e-learning account.

·promptly tell their supervising teacher if they suspect they have received a computer virus or spam (i.e. unsolicited email) or if they receive a message that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.

·seek advice if another user seeks excessive personal information, asks to be telephoned, offers gifts by email or wants to meet a student.

·never knowingly initiate or forward emails or other messages containing:

oa message that was sent to them in confidence.

oa computer virus or attachment that is capable of damaging recipients' computers.

ochain letters and hoax emails.

ospam, e.g. unsolicited advertising material.

·never send or publish:

ounacceptable or unlawful material or remarks, including offensive, abusive or discriminatory comments.

othreatening, bullying or harassing another person or making excessive or unreasonable demands upon another person.

osexually explicit or sexually suggestive material or correspondence.

ofalse or defamatory information about a person or organisation.

·ensure that personal use is kept to a minimum and internet and online communication services is generally used for genuine curriculum and educational activities. Use of unauthorised programs and intentionally downloading unauthorised software, graphics or music that is not associated with learning, is not permitted.

·never damage or disable computers, computer systems or networks of the NSW Department of Education and Training.

·ensure that services are not used for unauthorised commercial activities, political lobbying, online gambling or any unlawful purpose.

·be aware that all use of internet and online communication services can be audited and traced to the e-learning accounts of specific users.

4.2

Privacy and Confidentiality

4.2.1

Students will:

·never publish or disclose the email address of a staff member or student without that person's explicit permission.